There are two black-type races on the Melbourne race program for Saturday, the marquee of which is the $200,000 Listed VRC St Leger (2800m).

The set weights plus penalties showdown for three-year-olds, which also carries a Super VOBIS nominator’s bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses, has this year attracted 17 nominees, with Oncidium Ruler and the John O’Shea-trained Allergic the highest rated.

Strategic gelding Oncidium Ruler won over the mile and a half at Geelong two back before stepping up in class for his third career run to finish a brave second just a neck off Manapine in the Listed Galilee Series Final (2500m) at Flemington on April 11.

Godolphin’s entry Allergic meanwhile has been tested in Group 2 company when eighth in the Alister Clark (2040m) at Moonee Valley last month, his lead-up being an easy three and a half-length victory in a Benchmark 64 over 2025m at Cranbourne on April 10 to boost his confidence.

The Danny O’Brien-trained Savabeel gelding General James also ran in the Alister Clark when ninth, before two improved runs since when third to Magicool over 2000m at Caulfield and then fourth in the Galilee Series Final last time out.

Also higher up the ratings are the likes of the in-form Bart & James Cummings-trained Colour Of Money, Bjorn Baker’s bred-to-stay Zabeel gelding Zatopaz who won over 2600m at Gosford on April 14 and Pat Carey’s Galilee Series Final third placegetter All I Survey.

A son of Domesday, All I Survey is a dual nominee this weekend having also been entered for the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville in Adelaide.

Other notable VRC St Leger Stakes entries this year include last start Seymour winner over 2222m Cuban Fighter who is Group 1 performed at the track, third in the same lead-up race Prince Of Persia and the John Thompson-trained General Zabeel who will appreciate the step up in distance.

The full VRC St Leger Stakes 2015 nominations are detailed below and the final field is out on Wednesday morning so stay tuned.

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